The Person Behind the Mission

About Sophiya Warraich

Sophiya Warraich
MSApplied Psychology
10+Years of Service
250+Children Sheltered
14+Awards Received
Biography

A Dynamic Leader Committed to Social Change

Mrs. Sophiya Warraich is a philanthropist, psychologist, and social leader whose life's purpose is the upliftment of Pakistan's most vulnerable communities. She leads the Almarah Foundation as its Chairperson and has built one of Pakistan's most impactful independent welfare organisations from the ground up.

01 Roots of Compassion

Sophiya's journey into philanthropy began not in a boardroom, but at a busy road junction in Lahore. Her father, Major (Retd.) Rasheed Warraich, was a respected figure who quietly distributed food to daily-wage labourers and rickshaw drivers at Chaburji every evening. Watching him give without expectation — without recognition or reward — planted a seed in young Sophiya that grew into a lifelong mission.

"My father never made speeches. He just showed up, every evening, with food and dignity. That was my first lesson in leadership."

Real leadership is not about power or prestige — it is about who you serve when no one is watching.

— Sophiya Warraich

02 Education & Professional Journey

Sophiya pursued higher education with the conviction that social work must be grounded in knowledge and rigour. She holds an MS in Applied Psychology, giving her deep insight into human behaviour, trauma recovery, and what communities need to truly heal and thrive.

Alongside her humanitarian work, she is a successful entrepreneur who owns a clothing brand and has served as director of multiple prestigious educational institutes — proving that business success and social purpose are not mutually exclusive.

03 Founding the Almarah Foundation

Inspired by her father's legacy, Sophiya established the Almarah Foundation with one urgent question: "Who is taking care of Pakistan's forgotten children?"

What began as a single orphan shelter has grown into a multi-program organisation running 12 Apna Ghar houses sheltering over 250 children, a grammar school, IT hub, nutrition programs, a safe home for girls, and a compassionate haven for special needs children — with active operations across Pakistan and growing UK partnerships.

04 Her Many Roles

Chairperson, Almarah Foundation

Leading all humanitarian programs across Pakistan and the UK diaspora network.

Psychologist (MS Applied)

Bringing clinical insight into trauma, child development, and community healing.

Director, Educational Institutes

Heading multiple prestigious institutes driving literacy and professional education.

Entrepreneur & Brand Owner

Running a clothing brand that funds and sustains her social impact programs.

TEDx Speaker

Delivered "Beyond the Horizon" — a powerful TEDx Talk on purpose-driven leadership.

UK–Pakistan Bridge Builder

Connecting the Pakistani diaspora in the UK with ground-level welfare work at home.

05 Key Milestones

2025

Honorary Shield — UK House of Commons

Presented by MP Mrs. Elsie Blundell for outstanding service to Pakistani communities.

2024

House of Lords Recognition

Honoured by Lord Kuldeep Singh Sahota at UK Parliament for cross-border humanitarian leadership.

2023

United Nations Excellence Award

Awarded at a ceremony hosted by the Governor of Punjab for humanitarian services.

2023

FPCCI Humanitarian Services Award

Presented by the Governor of Punjab for contribution to welfare and community development.

2022

TEDx Talk: "Beyond the Horizon"

Delivered an inspiring talk on purpose-driven leadership at TEDx Pakistan.

2021

12th Apna Ghar House Established

Reached the milestone of 12 orphan shelter houses sheltering 250+ children.

2019

Almarah Foundation Established

Founded with a mandate to address orphan welfare, hunger, and education access.

2015

First Apna Ghar Shelter Opens

A single house that sparked a movement.

06 Voices of Impact

★★★★★

"Sophiya Warraich is not just a philanthropist — she is a force of nature. The Almarah Foundation has transformed hundreds of lives that the system forgot."

LK
Lord Kuldeep Singh SahotaHouse of Lords, UK Parliament
★★★★★

"It was an honour to present an honorary shield to Mrs. Sophiya Warraich. Her dedication to Pakistani communities is an inspiration to all in Parliament."

EB
MP Mrs. Elsie BlundellUK House of Commons
★★★★★

"Sophiya gives orphaned children far more than shelter — she gives them identity, education, and love. That is rare, and Almarah Foundation is truly a beacon."

RC
Rotary Club RepresentativeRotary Club Lahore
★★★★★

"Her TEDx Talk moved every person in the room. She speaks from lived experience and genuine sacrifice. Her message is exactly what Pakistan's next generation needs."

TX
TEDx OrganiserTEDx Pakistan